The sich-bewegen of students in physical education classes in a drug traffic-ridden slum

Abstract

This study interprets the way of moving of students of a public school located in a drug-traffic-ridden area of Rio de Janeiro to understand the influence of violence in that area of the city in the daily life of Physical Education classes. Participant observation and semi-structured interviews were conducted with Physical Education teachers. Findings indicate that students use bodily codes as a process for reestablishing self-confidence systems. Repeated identification with their aggressors, which manifested itself in the masculine group, was re-signified while elements of the culture of violence were maintained but introducing characteristics of the activities in which they participated.